Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison

Senior Pastor | focuses on preaching, ordering the life of the church, setting the vision for our community as she fulfills the life of an elder in the UMC through word, and sacrament

Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison has dedicated 28 years to full-time ministry within the United Methodist Church and is the Senior Pastor at Oak Lawn UMC, Dallas, TX. She is deeply committed to discipleship, social justice, and extending hospitality to marginalized individuals. Rachel holds degrees from Texas Wesleyan University, Drew Theological Seminary, and Perkins School of Theology and has contributed to various educational materials, including editing the CEB Women’s Study Bible. She co-founded Safe Spaces Lebanon to support Syrian refugee children and is actively involved in multiple leadership and nonprofit organizations.

Pastor Isabel Marquez-E

Associate Pastor & Dallas Responds Leader | Lead Pastor, Gracia Viva

Pastor Isabel Marquez-E, originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is fully dedicated to ministry as the Associate Pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church and Church Planter of the Gracia Viva Spanish-speaking congregation. She serves as the Site Coordinator of the Dallas Responds Welcoming Center, facilitating a smooth transition for individuals and families seeking asylum. Deeply committed to social justice, Pastor Isabel actively participates in Immigration and LGBTQ+ Advocacy. She holds a degree from the University of North Texas and is currently attending Iliff School of Theology. She also serves as the Network Coordinator of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) in México and Latin America. She is part of the Core Team of the Thriving in Ministry program for the Latinx community in the United States.

Rev. Ryan Wager

Associate Pastor | Operations Leader

Rev. Ryan Wager has over 25 years of leadership experience in both the private sector and public service. He’s a licensed local pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, where he has spearheaded significant community programs since 2019, including an inclement weather shelter, meal program, and clothing closet for the unsheltered. Ryan also holds an Associate Director of Technology position at AT&T, leading teams nationwide.

Originally from New York, he has lived in North Texas for the last decade. He attends Course of Study at St. Paul’s School of Theology. He serves as a representative of OLUMC across multiple organizations, including Housing Forward, advocating for our unhoused neighbors in Dallas and Colin Counties.  He is also a board member at Safe Spaces Lebanon.